Fifty Six

Fifty Six

KAIDA'S POV

Over the next few days, the pack continued to be in a joyous mood. Pack mates had begun to visit Thoran and I bearing gifts and presents for the baby. It was a little overwhelming to be showered by so much love and attention from the pack, even more so than usual.

However, even amidst the merriment that had overtaken the pack, I noticed that something was off with Tricia. Tricia, who was usually more jovial and friendly, had become withdrawn and reserved.

Asides that, she was beginning to spend more time with Jaden, time otherwise spent with us. It had started out with something small: She would receive her meal and rather than sit with us, she would opt to go sit with Jaden. Since the pack always ate together, I hadn't considered it to be a problem at first. But as time went on, she began to spend more time with him and less time with us.

The problem wasn't just the fact that she was spending time with him but more so the fact that she was shunning every other person in her life just to hang out with Jaden. That morning, after making some breakfast, I stopped by Tricia's room to call her for breakfast. I rapped my knuckles on the door lightly, in tune to the first two lines of the Bernie theme as I had always done, expecting Tricia to step out of the room singing the rest of the lines as usual, but I heard nothing. There was movement from the other side of the door.

I turned the door knob and stepped into her room, and sure enough, the room was very much empty. I spotted one of the pack maids walking around the passage and stopped her. “Jane, have you seen Tricia?”

Jane shook her head with a slight frown. “No, Luna. She isn't in her room?” She said, pointing towards Tricia's room.

“No, she's not.” I responded.

“That is strange. Miss Tricia does not like to miss breakfast.” Jane said pointedly. No, she did not. I thought in agreement. I walked towards the common room where Zeph and Zarek were seated.

“Have you guys seen Tricia anywhere?” I asked immediately.

Zarek nodded, to my surprise. “Yes, I saw her having breakfast with Jaden earlier.” My wolf growled in displeasure. Jaden, again. I shut my eyes close for a few moments before reopening them.

I found the couple staring at me, worry etched on their faces. “Is everything alright, Kaida?” Zeph asked in concern.

I feigned a smile. I wasn't in the mood to explain my worries to them. “Yes, I am. I was just really worried for her safety.” Zeph slowly nodded. I could tell that she wasn't convinced but had decided to not press the issue. “Where did you last see her?”

“At the park.” Zarek answered.

I said my thanks and left in search of Tricia. I found her sitting on the grass, Jaden was seated right in front of her. My wolf snarled at the sight of Jaden as usual, while he smiled in what I could only determine as mock innocence. “Good morning, Luna Kaida.”

Ignoring him completely, I headed straight to Tricia and squatted low beside her. “Tricia, I have been searching everywhere for you. I was worried.” I said gently. “Come, I made breakfast,” I paused for dramatic effect. “Your favourite.” I added. Not wanting to reveal her favourite dish to Jaden here.

“I'm not hungry.” Tricia said sadly.

I found her tone of voice to be concerning. “Why? What's wrong, baby?”

“Nothing is wrong.” She snapped angrily at me. “I already had breakfast with Uncle Jaden.” I barely spared Jaden a glance before returning my gaze to Tricia.

“That's alright.” I took her hand. “I got two tickets to Disneyland.” Her eyes lit up at that. “What do you say to going there together? Just the both of us.” She looked torn. I didn't miss the way her eyes flicked towards Jaden slightly before looking away once more. What is going on? I wondered, shooting the Gamma a glare.

Tricia snatched her hands away from mine abruptly. “I don't want to go!”

I sighed. I will get to the bottom of this, I decided. But for now, I had to leave her be. I began to pet her hair with a fond smile. “Ok, Tricia. Since you don't want to go, then I won't go either.” Her eyes widened slightly at my words. “Perhaps Zeph would love to go with her son, Zeke. Whenever you're ready to talk, I'll be here, okay?” I shot Jaden another glare. “You don't have to be afraid of anyone. You tell me if anyone's bothering you, and I'll take care of them, alright?” My words were met with silence. I placed a light kiss on her forehead. “Love you, kiddo.” I said before rising to my feet.

As I walked away, I thought about the whole situation. It was weird. Was Jaden trying to take Tricia away from us? If he was, I would do everything in my power to thwart his plans, I decided.

I returned home in a more foul mood than I was when I left. I found Thoran in the kitchen. “Hey, Luna mine.” He said in greeting, placing a chaste kiss on my lips. “Was wondering where you were.” He looked around me. “Where is Tricia?”

“With Jaden.” I said curtly.

“Oh, ok.” Was the only thing he said.

I shot Thoran an annoyed look. “Oh, ok? Is that all that you have to say? Oh, ok?”

Thoran sighed tiredly. ‘Not this again.’ His thoughts read.

I did a double take. “Oh, I'm sorry. Am I bothering you?”

Thoran drew closer, making me take a step back. “No, that's not what I meant.”

“Your daughter has been hanging around more and more with a total stranger rather than spending time with us and you're not even concerned!” I said passionately.

“Gamma is not a stranger. He already proved himself.” He shot back. “Besides, I don't think it's what you think. Just give her some time and she'll come around. She probably just needs a friend she relates to.”

I scoffed. “A relatable friend? In a forty-five year old man. Don't make me laugh, Thoran.”

My mate's eyes darkened in anger. “I'm gonna go take a walk, I'll be back when you are settled.” He said turning around to walk away.

“What does that even… Thoran.” I called after him, he kept walking. “Thoran!” He ignored me. He actually ignored me. I watched his retreating form. “What just happened?” I muttered.